Positive talks lead club to hope they can see off Tottenham interest

The Reds are battling with Tottenham for the services of the £30million-rated Brazilian winger.

Both clubs have enjoyed positive talks with the Russian outfit over a fee and Willian, who has his heart set on a switch to the Premier League, is mulling over his options.

Some reports have suggested that the Londoners' ability to offer European football this season has helped give them the edge in discussions.

Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas also knows the 25-year-old personally having come close to signing him twice before.

However, Liverpool have been encouraged by their talks with the player's representatives and manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Willian will accept the chance to line up alongside fellow countrymen Lucas Leiva and Philippe Coutinho.

Liverpool are expected to confirm the signing of Aly Cissokho on a season-long loan from Valencia today.

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Alastair Machray was appointed editor of The Liverpool Echo in 2005 and is also editor-in-chief of Trinity Mirror Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. He is a former editor of The Daily Post (Wales and England) and editor-in-chief of the company's Welsh operations. Married dad-of-two and keen golfer Alastair is one of the longest-serving newspaper editors in the country. His titles have won numerous awards and spearheaded numerous successful campaigns.